Transition Training Fund helps Kingsley on way to new career
Former oil and gas worker Kingsley Chiadikobi is on course to a new career in renewable energy thanks to the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund.
Kingsley, who lives in Aberdeen with his wife and children was working as a senior mud logger supporting offshore drilling operations with Geolog, a specialist company dealing in surface logging, drilling intelligence and formation evaluation. His contract came to an end and he seized the opportunity to change career.
Kingsley said: “I’ve always been interested in renewables and sustainability. The sustainability angle interested me because I’m a geologist. I have a PhD in Geology and my research has focused on subsurface geological structures, fault systems, and seismic interpretation. These areas are highly relevant to carbon storage because they help assess the suitability, integrity, and long-term security of geological formations for CO₂ sequestration.
“This made me interested in doing a course in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).”
Kingsley was sent a link to information about the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund by a friend.
The Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund will help increase the pipeline of skilled workers needed as part of the move towards sustainable energy.
Aimed at current or former oil and gas workers living or working in Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire, the fund will help provide access to industry-recognised training required for a range of opportunities in sectors such as such as offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage, covering roles such as welding, electrical engineering, and construction.
He said: “I applied for the funding to undertake a short CCUS course at the University of Aberdeen. I had to provide some information, including where I had worked in the oil and gas industry. Once I was accepted for the funding, I applied for the course and was able to use the funding to pay for that. The application process was fairly straightforward.
“The CCUS course enabled me to build upon my existing geological expertise and gain a broader understanding of carbon capture technologies, storage solutions, regulations, and the role CCUS can play in helping the UK achieve its net-zero targets.”
Kingsley hopes that the additional learning will help set him up for a new job in the renewable energy sector.
He said: “I encourage anyone in the oil and gas industry who is eligible to apply for the fund. The energy transition creates lots of opportunities. Many professionals working in oil and gas already possess highly valuable and transferable skills.
“The Transition Training Fund helps people work towards building new skills, expand their expertise, and prepare for opportunities in sustainable energy sectors such as CCUS, geothermal energy, offshore wind energy, and other low-carbon technologies.”
Find out more
Further information regarding eligibility and how to apply can be found at transitiontrainingfund.scot. Anyone looking for advice on their options can call the dedicated SDS customer helpline on 0808 100 1855.